Mtssa. Kuaui's Choice

This is a discussion on Mtssa. Kuaui's Choice within the Phalaenopsis, Oncidium, & Intergenerics IN BLOOM forums, part of the Orchid Photography category; OK, so, I haven't purchased or otherwise obtained any orchids since SWROGA two months ago. ...

Mtssa. Kuaui's Choice

OK, so, I haven't purchased or otherwise obtained any orchids since SWROGA two months ago. At first that was alright since I got so many new ones, I was a bit overwhelmed w/ all my new watering responsibilities, etc...

Well, all that has passed, and I've been kind of craving a new orchid. As you may know, I really prefer species over hybrids, but unfortunately there are no nurseries that stock species here, just hybrids. So, I broke down and bought two today. One in bloom, a Mtssa. Kuaui's Choice, of which I've posted photos, and a Paph. sukhakulii 'Nino' x Grand Illusions 'Fred', which has already bloomed, so I was able to talk them into a slight discount on that one.

As this is my first Miltassia, I was hoping some of you that grow them would tell me how moist do these hybrids like to stay, do they want to dry out in between waterings? If so, how much? Completely dry? Almost to the point of complete dryness, but not quite?

As for culture, I grow several of these plants. They DO NOT want to dry out completely. The NEWEST p-bulbs can be your guide...when they barely start to crease, water the plant. Pretty soon you'll know with just a quick glance when the plant needs water.

This plant appreciates almost cattleya-type light levels and appreciates warmth in the summer. Outdoors in dappled shade would be a good choice in humid Arkansas. In winter, a nice bright windowsill will suit it.

These hybrids are fairly easy bloomers and can throw double spikes when happy. I LOVE THE LIP!

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